HBO relives World War II

(Published March 29, PDI-Entertainment)

By Oliver M. Pulumbarit

Contributor

Members of the press and entertainment bloggers recently toured historic Corregidor Island as part of HBO Asia’s “The Pacific” miniseries launch. The new HBO series, co-executive produced by Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg, chronicles the other pivotal battles fought during World War II, as seen from the perspective of three American soldiers.

Attendees of the launch viewed a light and sound show about the fall of the Philippines to Japanese forces in the dimly lit Malinta Tunnel. After the half-hour presentation, clips from “The Pacific” and its behind-the-scenes footage were unveiled in one of the tunnel’s dark corridors. Short interviews with Hanks, Spielberg, and the actors revealed intriguing facts about the show, which is being touted as “the most expensive HBO miniseries ever made.”

“The Pacific” was created by the same team behind the critically acclaimed miniseries “Band of Brothers,” responding to requests by American veterans who fought in the region during the war.

Based on memoirs and original interviews, “The Pacific” stars James Badge Dale (“24,” “The Departed”), Joe Mazzello (former child actor from “Jurassic Park,” “The Cure”), and Jon Seda (“Ghost Whisperer,” “Oz”). The three play Marines Robert Leckie, Eugene Sledge, and John Basilone, respectively. Basilone, who served in the Philippines for three years and was a boxer, would later be known as “Manila John.”

New episodes of the ten-part series will be shown weeks after the US airing. Two episodes of “The Pacific” premiere April 3 at 9:00 p.m. on HBO and HBO HD; subsequent episodes air Saturdays at 9 p.m.